With the colder months upon us, we need to be extra careful with our skin. Since the cold tends to bring a boatload of skin problems, I've compiled a list for you of my best tips to have clear, glowy skin all year round.
1. Don’t be afraid of the moisturizer.
Even if you have more oily skin, moisturizer will become your best friend. Don’t be scared to use it because you think it will make you oilier. While it may take a couple of days for your skin to get used to the moisture, your skin will eventually balance out and begin to absorb the moisture without making you look super shiny.
2. Eat less fatty foods (like dairy).
Foods that are high in fat, and especially dairy, are disastrous for the skin. Instead of using cheese to top your pasta, try nutritional yeast instead. Little changes that slowly take out the high fat foods will make a world of difference for your face.
3. Drink more water and fruit juices—cut the soda.
This is an already known fact, but take this as another friendly reminder to put your cola down and pick up some water instead.
4. Vegetables are your friend.
You are what you eat and if you eat good, you’re going to look good. Foods high in vitamins and minerals (like veggies) will help you out immensely.
5. Avoid touching your face.
Throughout the day, your hands are exposed to all kinds of bacteria and when you put them on your face, you’re basically opening up the gates of Hell. Instead of propping your head up in class on your hand, try covering your skin with a sweatshirt or some other type of material in order to avoid contact.
6. Get rid of the chemicals and use a gentle cleanser.
You don’t need to spend fortunes on all of those products you see on commercials and in the store that say they can guarantee you good skin. Unless you have a strict medical reason that requires your skin to be treated with harsh chemicals, try switching over to a cleanser that is more gentle. (Pro tip: I use baby wash on my face.)
7. Use tea tree oil.
This is my ultimate secret to clear skin. Chemicals are so unnecessary when you have products that are completely natural and safe to use on your skin. Whenever you feel a pimple coming (or if you already have one), apply a bit of tea tree oil to a cotton swab and treat the affected area with the product. Not only does it make redness and swelling go down, it kills whatever caused your pimple and doesn’t leave you with a scar.
8. If you wear makeup, use powder foundation instead.
Liquid foundation is the equivalent of applying glue to your face. While it may give you better coverage, your skin needs to be able to breathe so that it can heal itself. Instead, try a “full-coverage” powder foundation. Not only does it take your shine away, it lets your skin breathe too.
9. Think happy thoughts and avoid too much stress.
Acne sucks, we all know that, but you can’t let it bring you down. If you radiate positivity and think happy thoughts, it’s going to show through your skin. Stress is a known factor that contributes to the development of acne, so do your best to avoid it. And if you follow all these tips, you’re skin will be on its way to glowing like you’ve never seen it before.
